Wolf Watch

Wolf Watch is St. Francis’s weekly e-newsletter to our parent community that shares announcements for each grade level and updates on school activities and events. Wolf Watch is updated weekly throughout the school year, so check back every Sunday for the latest on St. Francis happenings.

For this week’s news, please select the appropriate section below.

News for the Week of January 23

All School

This Is Your Only Chance to Bid on Gala Online Auction Items
The Gala online silent auction is going strong! Bidding from your device is VERY easy. Click here to browse and bid on trips, sports tickets, home items, dining and spa packages, family experiences, and much more.

Please note that this is your ONLY chance to bid on silent auction items, including First in Carpool Line, Sign-Up Parties, sports tickets, etc.
The online silent auction ends at noon on Wednesday, January 26, and silent auction items will NOT be available at Gala.
Be sure to preview the amazing Live Auction items and Big Board packages that will be available on Gala night. This will give you plenty of time to prepare for a dreamy escape to the Riviera Maya, for a dinner party of a lifetime, or even to bring home a sweet puppy (or two!).

Explore and Extend: Some Spots Still Available
Explore and Extend classes are off to a great start, and we look forward to Woodworking beginning this coming week, on January 24 and 28. We do still have spaces available in Tae Kwon Do for Primary School on Thursdays, in Thursday Yoga, and in Lower School Jiu Jitsu on Thursdays, as well as in STEMsational. Contact Margaret Newsom to register or for more information.

New! Knitting Club Starts February 3
At the request of several of our second-grade girls, we will be opening a knitting club on Thursdays from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m., taught by Claudia Schoelman. Students will learn the basics of knitting and make small projects. The cost is $175, and it includes needles and yarn. This club will run February 3–May 12 and is open to students in grades 2–4. Contact Margaret Newsom for more information or to register.

Next White Out Night Is February 4
Calling all Wolves! Put on your brightest white shirt and come out to cheer on the Upper School Boys’ Varsity Basketball team as they take on Fort Bend Christian on Friday, February 4, at 7:00 p.m. in the Crum Gym. We’ll have plenty of swag and refreshments ready to help you support the home team. We hope to see you there!

Parents’ Night Out Is February 11
Our next Parents’ Night Out is Friday, February 11, and is open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for Primary School and from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. for grades K–5. The cost is $35. Contact Margaret Newsom to register.

Summer on the Point Registration Opens February 22
Summer is just around the corner, and our registration for Summer on the Point will open on Tuesday, February 22, at 10:00 a.m. Many of our annual favorites will return, along with some exciting new offerings! Registration for some of our Upper School academic courses will open after spring break.

Announcing the 2022–23 SFPO Board
We are pleased to announce the 2022–23 St. Francis Parents Organization Executive Committee! Congratulations to the following members, who were nominated, have accepted their position, and have been approved by the Head of School. We look forward to their service!

President: Neekie Kashani
President Elect: Rita Pace
Treasurer: Beth Harrison
Treasurer Elect: Shelby Stratmann
Communications: Josephine Fish
Community Building: Emily Reaser
Friends of Fine Arts: Amy Pierce
Friends of Fine Arts Elect: Melissa Reeves
Special Events: Rory Bellow
Teacher Appreciation: Julie Grandt

PS Grandparents and Grandfriends Days + Volunteers Needed!
Primary School Grandparents and Grandfriends Days are scheduled for February 10 and 11 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Crum Gymnasium on Couper Campus. Please click here to register your grandparents and grandfriends.

On Thursday, February 10, we will host Grandparents and Grandfriends Day for all Primary II classes, Mrs. Oteiza’s Tuesday/Thursday Pre-Primary class, and Mrs. Meriwether’s Pre-Primary class.
On Friday, February 11, we will welcome grandparents and grandfriends for all Primary I classes, Mrs. Britton’s Pre-Primary class, Mrs. Lawhon's Pre-Primary class, and Mrs. Oteiza’s Monday/Wednesday/Friday Pre-Primary class.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
We are looking for volunteers to help at PS Grandparents and Grandfriends Days. Please click here to sign up. Thank you!

SFE Commemorative Cookbook—Submit Your Recipes Today!
Thanks to all the families who have submitted delectable recipes—we have received so many good ones! Remember that each family may submit more than one, so don't stop sharing the tastiness with us!

Help make this 70th anniversary commemorative cookbook a classic by putting your own culinary stamp on it. Please click here to submit a recipe.
You may also submit your recipes (and a photo if you'd like) directly to Martha Chavez.

Spirit Store: Items Added Recently!
Visit the 2021–22 online Spirit Store. (Password: wolves)

We’ve recently added JOGGERS with pockets, beanies, and stock for youth quarter-zips.
In-stock items are pre-decorated, available for purchase online, and have a fast delivery time.
While the global manufacturing supply chain continues to face challenges, we are slowly seeing the return of inventory. We appreciate your continued patience.

PRO TIPS!

The store link works best with a Google Chrome browser, and will stay open and active until May.
Families have two options for receiving purchases. (Delivery for both options will take around 10–14 business days.)
- Delivery to school to your student’s homeroom teacher or advisor.
- Shipped to your address.

There are no returns or exchanges, so be sure to check out the size charts to order the correct size. Please email Christie Crummel to coordinate access to samples.

Support the Home Team!
The Athletics Booster Club invites you to come out and support our Wolves at this week’s home games. We will be selling concessions at all games—most items are $1. Exact change is much appreciated. Click here and scroll down to see the game schedule for the week.

COVID Dashboard
St. Francis is updating the following COVID Dashboard weekly to track the number of active cases and total year-to-date cases for students and faculty/staff. This dashboard can also be found on the Parent Portal.

COVID Dashboard

Primary School

From the Primary II Lead Teachers
The Primary School employs the project approach to learning as a central component of our curriculum. This approach allows students to experience in-depth exploration and understanding of topics that are of genuine interest to the group. Students are encouraged to investigate, research, and represent their learning in various ways. Using the children’s inquiries and ideas as guidance, teachers provide real-world, hands-on opportunities for children to explore, discover, and gain knowledge together. Through these projects, children’s natural curiosity of how the world works guides the learning that happens in the classroom and allows children to have a voice in their curriculum.

In Primary II, we get to know the children’s interests and wonders by talking to them, listening as they chat with their friends, and observing as they play and explore at school. When the teachers notice a common curiosity among the children, we provide books and other materials to gauge their interest level. If they are excited, we cultivate their enthusiasm—planning all things around the “project topic.” Learning experiences can include literature, writing activities, art activities, dramatic play, guest experts, real materials and artifacts, and so much more! When a project concludes, it is important to celebrate the learning that has happened. This usually involves sharing new knowledge with others and honoring the hard work that has been done by the students.

St. Francis supports project work for its endless benefits to children’s development. One of these benefits is the positive impact on children’s feelings about themselves as learners. Through their contributions to a project, children feel that their opinions and ideas are valued and respected by others. Moreover, they have knowledge to share with others, while also appreciating their peers’ ideas. Most importantly, they gain a lifelong love of learning.

We may not be able to predict the future professions of our children, but we know that we want them to become curious, purposeful, thoughtful, collaborative citizens. The project-approach to learning helps our children become just that!

Sincerely,

Emily Hughes, Janene Owens, Michelle Staller, and Diane Wiener
Primary II Lead Teachers

On Thursday, February 10, we will host Grandparents and Grandfriends Day for all Primary II classes, Mrs. Oteiza’s Tuesday/Thursday Pre-Primary class, and Mrs. Meriwether’s Pre-Primary class.
On Friday, February 11, we will welcome grandparents and grandfriends for all Primary I classes, Mrs. Britton’s Pre-Primary class, Mrs. Lawhon's Pre-Primary class, and Mrs. Oteiza’s Monday/Wednesday/Friday Pre-Primary class.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
We are looking for volunteers to help at PS Grandparents and Grandfriends Days. Please click here to sign up. Thank you!

Option to Watch Primary School Chapel Via Zoom
If your child is doing something special in Chapel and you can’t make it, or if you would rather watch via livestream, here is the Zoom information that will enable you to join us:

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81805974118?pwd=eFVGQ1llS1U4WTc3RzNJeEFDVm9Udz09
Password: pschapel

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, January 24

Primary School Open Library: 3:00–4:00 p.m. in the Primary School Library

Tuesday, January 25

Chapel: 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, January 26

Chapel: 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, January 27

Fathers and Friends for 2-Day and 5-Day Pre-Primary: 8:15 a.m.

Friday, January 28

Fathers and Friends for 3-Day Pre-Primary: 8:15 a.m.

Monday, January 31

Primary School Open Library: 3:00–4:00 p.m. in the Primary School Library

Tuesday, February 1

Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; for students in Primary II and for Pre-Primary students in Mrs. Oteiza's 2-Day class, Mrs. Lawhon's class, and Mrs. Meriwether's class

Wednesday, February 2

Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; for students in Primary I and for Pre-Primary students in Mrs. Oteiza's 3-Day class and Mrs. Britton's class

Friday, February 4

White Out Night: 7:00 p.m. in Crum Gym on Couper Campus; wear a white shirt and come cheer on the Upper School Boys’ Varsity Basketball team vs. Fort Bend Christian

Saturday, February 5

St. Francis Gala: 6:30–10:30 p.m. at The Revaire

Monday, February 7

Primary School Open Library: 3:00–4:00 p.m. in the Primary School Library

Tuesday, February 8

Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; for students in Primary II and for Pre-Primary students in Mrs. Oteiza's 2-Day class, Mrs. Lawhon's class, and Mrs. Meriwether's class

Wednesday, February 9

Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; for students in Primary I and for Pre-Primary students in Mrs. Oteiza's 3-Day class and Mrs. Britton's class

Thursday, February 10

Grandparents and Grandfriends Day for Primary II and 2-Day Pre-Primary: 8:30–11:00 a.m.

Friday, February 11

Grandparents and Grandfriends Day for Primary I and 3-Day and 5-Day Pre-Primary: 8:30–11:00 a.m.

Monday, February 14

Primary School Valentine's Day Parties: Students only
Primary School Open Library: 3:00–4:00 p.m. in the Primary School Library

Tuesday, February 15

Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; for students in Primary II and for Pre-Primary students in Mrs. Oteiza's 2-Day class, Mrs. Lawhon's class, and Mrs. Meriwether's class

Wednesday, February 16

Chapel: 9:30 a.m.; for students in Primary I and for Pre-Primary students in Mrs. Oteiza's 3-Day class and Mrs. Britton's class

Monday, February 21

No School

Lower School

From the Division Head
Spanish is a big part of our whole-child approach to educating students, and it is woven into our learning environment. Students attend Spanish twice a week, so I wanted you to hear more about Spanish instruction from our Lower School Spanish teachers.

Kindly,

Clifton Walker, MEd
Head of Lower School

From the Spanish Teachers
One of the main goals of the Lower School Spanish program is to provide students with a trusting and engaging environment in which to learn and use the Spanish language. Additionally, we provide opportunities for students to learn about different Spanish-speaking cultures.

Below are some of the favorite Spanish-class activities our students enjoy:

Kindergarten students enjoy learning songs in Spanish, watching videos, and connecting Spanish vocabulary to everyday experiences.
First graders enjoy learning Spanish through games and thematic units. One of their favorite units is the fruits and vegetable unit.
Second-grade students enjoy learning Spanish words for items in the cafeteria. They practice their new learning by recreating a cafeteria in the classroom, creating a menu, and inviting other second-grade students to their cafeteria.
Third graders love to learn about Latin American countries. Learning Spanish vocabulary about the solar system is also a favorite.
Fourth-grade students enjoy writing short stories in Spanish and sharing them with our kindergarten and first-grade friends. This encourages leadership and being “people for others.”

A fun and easy way to practice Spanish with your child at home is to ask them about the concepts learned in class, like the Spanish expression for the week, the virtue of the month in Spanish, and the Spanish-class focus for the week posted in the weekly Seesaw bulletin.

We are passionate about teaching Spanish, and we love to inspire our students to step forward in learning and using the Spanish language every day.

Fondly,

Mercedes Perli and Maria Capecchi
Lower School Spanish Teachers

Option to Watch Lower School Chapel Via Zoom
If your child is doing something special in Chapel and you can’t make it, or if you would rather watch via livestream, here is the Zoom information that will enable you to join us:

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87806314875
Password: chapel

Join Us Tomorrow: Step Forward Meeting for Grades 4–5
Join us for the Grade 4–5 Step Forward Meeting tomorrow, January 24, at 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. We will be meeting in the Crum Library on Piney Point Campus.

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, January 24

Chapel for Grades 3–4
- 8:20 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Celebrating January 16–29 birthdays
Step Forward Meeting for Grades 4–5: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the Crum Library on Piney Point Campus

Thursday, January 27

Chapel for Grades K–2
- 8:20 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Celebrating January 23–29 birthdays

Monday, January 31

Chapel for Grades 3–4
- 8:20 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Celebrating January 30–February 5 birthdays

Wednesday, February 2

Late-Start Day: Classes begin at 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, February 3

100th Day of School!
Chapel for Grades K–2
- 8:20 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Celebrating January 30–February 5 Birthdays

Friday, February 4

White Out Night: 7:00 p.m. in Crum Gym on Couper Campus; wear a white shirt and come cheer on the Upper School Boys’ Varsity Basketball team vs. Fort Bend Christian

Saturday, February 5

St. Francis Gala: 6:30–10:30 p.m. at The Revaire

Monday, February 7

Chapel for Grades 3–4
- 8:20 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Celebrating February 6–12 birthdays

Thursday, February 10

Chapel for Grades K–2
- 8:20 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Celebrating February 6–12 Birthdays

Monday, February 14

Chapel for Grades 3–4
- 8:20 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Celebrating February 13–19 birthdays
Valentine's Day Parties: In classrooms

Thursday, February 17

Chapel for Grades K–2
- 8:20 a.m. in the St. Francis Episcopal Church Sanctuary
- Celebrating February 13–19 birthdays

Middle School

From the Division Head
I hope this message finds you enjoying the brisk weather this weekend. I have two separate items to share with you this week. The first is related to the recent Middle School parent meeting, and the second is related to our upcoming launch of the BrainAbouts program.

We appreciated the high attendance at the parent meeting this week. The topic of the presentation was detailed updates to the MS program in the 2022–23 school year. Unfortunately, we were not able to record the meeting, but the slide deck from the presentation is available here. If you have follow-up questions on the meeting or the slide deck, please reach out to Chris Bertha or Carol Christ.

Earlier this year, we shared exciting news about partnering with Dr. Crystal Collier as a pilot school for her new BrainAbouts program. We are preparing to launch BrainAbouts for our students and have additional information for St. Francis parents here. This document contains login information for our school-specific BrainAbouts portal and contains a wealth of information for students, parents, and school staff. Please be on the lookout for more information about BrainAbouts programming in future editions of Wolf Watch.

Warm regards,

Chris Bertha, MA
Head of Middle School

Middle School Athletics Update
We are proud of the winter sports teams this season. Good luck to all teams still competing this week in regular-season competitions and in conference tournaments.

Players should be prepared to turn in all issued uniforms to their coach after their last competition.
Spring sports will begin on Monday, January 31.
Sport-specific details will be sent by team coaches for the upcoming spring seasons.

Option to Watch Middle School Chapel Via Zoom
If your child is doing something special in Chapel and you can’t make it, or if you would rather watch via livestream, here is the Zoom information that will enable you to join us:

Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88503848977
Password: chapel

Buy Your Yearbook Ads Now
Eighth-grade families should have received an email last week with information and instructions regarding purchasing yearbook ads. A copy of the email that was sent can be found here.

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, January 24

Dress Uniform
Chapel for Grades 7–8: 10:05–10:30 a.m.
Step Forward Meeting for Grades 4–5: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the Crum Library on Piney Point Campus

Tuesday, January 25

Regular Uniform
Bible Studies (Grade 8 Girls/Grade 7 Boys and Girls): 7:15–7:45 a.m. in the Christian Education rooms at the end of the Middle School hallway
No Morning Tutorials Due to MS Division Meeting

Wednesday, January 26

Regular Uniform
Bible Studies (Grade 8 Boys): 7:15–7:45 a.m. in the Christian Education rooms at the end of the Middle School hallway

Thursday, January 27

Regular Uniform
Bible Studies (Grade 6 Boys and Girls): 7:15–7:45 a.m. in the Christian Education rooms at the end of the Middle School hallway
Chapel for Grades 5–6: 10:05–10:30 a.m.

Friday, January 28

St. Francis Spirit Wear With Uniform Bottoms or Blue Jeans (No Athletic Shorts)
Bible Studies (Grade 5 Boys and Girls): 7:15–7:45 a.m. in the Christian Education rooms at the end of the Middle School hallway
Grade 8 vs. Faculty Basketball Game (Students Only)

Monday, January 31

Dress Uniform
Middle School Spring Sports Begins
Chapel for Grades 7–8: 10:05–10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, February 1

Regular Uniform
Bible Studies (Grade 8 Girls/Grade 7 Boys and Girls): 7:15–7:45 a.m. in the Christian Education rooms at the end of the Middle School hallway

Wednesday, February 2

Late-Start Day: Classes begin at 10:00 a.m.
Regular Uniform

Thursday, February 3

Regular Uniform
Bible Studies (Grade 6 Boys and Girls): 7:15–7:45 a.m. in the Christian Education rooms at the end of the Middle School hallway
Chapel for Grades 5–6: 10:05–10:30 a.m.

Friday, February 4

St. Francis Spirit Wear With Uniform Bottoms or Blue Jeans (No Athletic Shorts)
Bible Studies (Grade 5 Boys and Girls): 7:15–7:45 a.m. in the Christian Education rooms at the end of the Middle School hallway
White Out Night: 7:00 p.m. in Crum Gym on Couper Campus; wear a white shirt and come cheer on the Upper School Boys’ Varsity Basketball team vs. Fort Bend Christian

Saturday, February 5

St. Francis Gala: 6:30–10:30 p.m. at The Revaire

Upper School

From the Division Head
In last week’s Wolf Watch, I introduced several new positions that we are adding to our Upper School next year. We are in a special time when our division will be taking a great leap forward. Just last Wednesday, our students donned hard hats and signed an exposed steel beam in the new Student Life Building. It was fun to see them actually walk into the space and see what it might look like.

In this Wolf Watch, I would like to review some of the news and information I shared in the Upper School Coffee last Thursday. To begin with, I am happy to announce that we are partnering with two companies that will expand community-service programming and make book buying much easier for our families.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
At St. Francis, a common refrain is that we are “people for others.” Community service is integrated into our school in all divisions. During Immersions and Explorations, we took our freshmen class to a local food bank and served together. It is therefore somewhat ironic that we are one of the few high schools in the area not requiring our students to do community service as a graduation requirement. For us, we begin by modeling community service and providing opportunities as a part of our programming, but we feel that a key component of community service is that students serve of their own volition, not out of an institutional requirement.

To date, we have not recorded what students have done with community service in the Upper School. This changes with the advent of MobileServe, a company widely used in the community service and education industry. This platform allows students to easily log their hours. The process is actually quite simple, and students have already logged 100 hours into the system. Information will be forthcoming as to how we will recognize students with exemplary service records.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
We are excited to report that St. Francis now has a chapter of the National Honor Society. We are working closely with Carol Bedard in the Middle School to ensure that there is continuity between the divisions. While more details will be forthcoming as we write our bylaws and create an application procedure, we are so pleased to offer a way to recognize the scholars in our community.

BOOK BUYING
For the past few years, books have been purchased by families using a reference sheet provided by the Upper School Office. This has required some hunting through a complicated document, and there has sometimes been confusion as different classes routed you to separate vendors. Sometimes there were online texts, physical copies, or kits. And of course, the list grew as we added classes.

Moving forward, we will be using MBS Direct. This online vendor, purchased by Barnes & Noble a few years ago, is a giant in the high school and university book pipeline. Families will be able to visit the online store, select classes, and purchase all books and online services simultaneously. We hope that this makes one of the steps inherent in attending school next year that much easier.

All the best,

Marc Addington, MA
Head of Upper School

Upper School Dance Concert Is Friday
Please join us for our second annual Upper School Dance Concert on Friday, January 28, at 7:30 p.m. It will be held in the Fine Arts Center on Piney Point Campus. There are many different styles of dance, from classical to hip-hop, and all of the dancers will have a moment to shine. All ages are welcome, admission is free, and the performance will last approximately 30 minutes. We hope to see you there!

Upper School Athletics Update
We are proud of the winter sports teams this season. Good luck to all teams still competing.

Players should be prepared to turn in all issued uniforms and equipment to their coach after their last competition.
Spring sports will begin on Monday, February 7; however, some teams may host preseason practices prior to this date.
Sport-specific details will be sent by team coaches for the upcoming spring seasons.

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, January 24

"B" Day
Regular School Uniform

Tuesday, January 25

“A” Day
Regular School Uniform

Wednesday, January 26

“B” Day
Regular School Uniform

Thursday, January 27

“A” Day
Regular School Uniform
Upper School Dance Concert Rehearsal: 2:00–6:00 p.m.

Friday, January 28

“B” Day
Regular School Uniform
Upper School Chapel: 10:00–10:35 a.m.
Upper School Dance Concert—"Gotta Dance": 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center on the Piney Point Campus

Monday, January 31

"A" Day
Regular School Uniform

Tuesday, February 1

“B” Day
Regular School Uniform

Wednesday, February 2

Late-Start Day: Classes begin at 10:00 a.m.
“A” Day
Regular School Uniform
Upper School Chapel: 1:05–1:45 p.m.

Thursday, February 3

“B” Day
Regular School Uniform

Friday, February 4

“A” Day
Regular School Uniform
Upper School Chapel: 10:00–10:35 a.m.
White Out Night: 7:00 p.m. in Crum Gym on Couper Campus; wear a white shirt and come cheer on the Upper School Boys’ Varsity Basketball team vs. Fort Bend Christian

Saturday, February 5

St. Francis Gala: 6:30–10:30 p.m. at The Revaire

Church

Tomorrow: Join Us for a 'Conversation on Crime'
Join Citizens United Against Crime for a “Conversation on Crime” tomorrow, January 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Wheatcroft Parish Hall. Hosted by Village mayors Jim Pappas (Hunters Creek), Robert Lord (Bunker Hill), and Mark Kobelan (Piney Point), this event also features Crime Stoppers and the Memorial Villages Police Department.

Next Sunday: Join Us to Celebrate Scouts
Join us as we celebrate our Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and their leaders at the 9:00 a.m. service next Sunday, January 30. All Scouts are encouraged to wear their uniforms.

Confirmation Class Orientation Is January 30
The Confirmation Class ice cream social and orientation for eighth graders will be held next Sunday, January 30, at 4:00 p.m. in the Wheatcroft Parish Hall. To sign up, please email Cindy Huteson or call the church office at 713.782.1270.

The Bishop Is Visiting on February 6
Mark your calendars to come listen to The Rt. Rev. Hector Monterroso, bishop assistant in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, on Sunday, February 6. He will be preaching and completing confirmation at the 9:00 a.m. service, and will preach at the 11:00 a.m. service. Let’s show Bishop Monterroso our spirit and welcome him to St. Francis!

Special Speaker on February 13—"Children, Teens, and Tech”
Parents of children and teens should attend this event! Mark your calendars to attend “Children, Teens, and Tech” on Sunday, February 13, at 10:00 a.m. in the Hogan Board Room. Our guest speaker, Deborah Berry, is the author of The Tech Trap: A Mom’s Fight for Her Daughter in a World of Modern Technology.

In-Person Worship
The Holy Eucharist is offered at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. We also offer an evening Eucharist on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing all those who are ready to return. For those who are not comfortable returning to in-person worship, we will continue to livestream our worship service on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Access the livestream via our church website, YouTube channel, or Facebook page. Instructions for livestreaming are included at the bottom of this section.

Moms, Join Us for Bible Study
There are now two opportunities each week to attend the SFES Moms' Bible Study! The group meets on Tuesdays at 8:15 a.m. in classroom CE212 and on Fridays at noon at the Houston Racquet Club. The new study is “Elijah: Faith and Fire.” Both studies will be led by Allison Devlin, director of family ministry. Please contact Allison via email or at 713.882.0725 for more meeting details.

A Note About GLOW
Middle schoolers are invited to join Mrs. Devlin for GLOW (God Lights Our Way) monthly, beginning in January. The kids will volunteer for different organizations each month. Please contact Allison via email or at 713.882.0725 for further details.

Join Mrs. Devlin for In-Person Let It Shine!
Join Mrs. Devlin each Sunday for in-person Let It Shine! Children's Bible Breakout. All children from Pre-K to middle school are invited to participate.

High School Bible Study: Next Meeting Is Wednesday
The high school Bible study resumes this Wednesday, January 26, with a new study on the parables of Jesus. The group will meet monthly at 6:30 p.m. at the Houston Racquet Club for dinner and Bible study. All high schoolers are invited to attend. For additional information, please contact Allison Devlin via email or at 713.882.0725.

Calling All Musicians—We Are Back!
All those who missed sitting with your peers in the Assisi Choir and playing instruments at the 11:00 a.m. service, we are meeting again! If you have ever sung in a choir, thought about singing in a choir, or played an instrument, now is the time to join us.

Assisi Choir practice rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. in the church.
Instrumentalists are invited to join in a small rehearsal at 10:15 a.m. on Sundays in the church.
The Praise Choir and Band meets to rehearse Sundays at 8:45 a.m. in the church.
If you have a love of singing or playing, please contact Richard Keith.

Help Meet MAM's Updated Supply Needs
Memorial Assistance Ministries let us know that your generous donations have been helping to keep the organization's pantry well supplied. Thank you! They do still have some urgent needs, so if you are able to help, please consider donating the following items:

Laundry detergent
Size 6 diapers

For additional information, contact our church liaison, Andrea Eubanks, via email or at 713.859.1448.

Fair Haven Food Pantry Needs Volunteers
The Fair Haven Food Pantry has been providing food to help people in the Spring Branch/Memorial area since 1975.

Now operating under a client-choice model, the pantry needs friendly volunteers to help clients shop for their families, restock shelves, and assist with registration. Feeding the needy is part of serving one another, and as we serve others, we are serving Christ.
- To volunteer, please click here.
January Food Collection Item: Canned chili
- Thank you for not donating any glass containers or expired items.
For additional information, email Jessica Antel.

Share Your Prayer Requests Online
Share your prayer requests with us using the “Prayer Requests” link on the St. Francis Episcopal Church home page. Please feel free to submit prayer requests for yourself or for someone you know. All prayer requests are confidential and will not be added to the spoken prayer list, but will be prayed for by our staff and Pastoral Care Council over two months.

Upcoming Bible Studies at St. Francis
St. Francis is hosting the following Bible studies, either in-person, via Zoom, or both. To join a Zoom event listed below, please click the provided link or copy and paste it into your web browser’s address bar. Then, enter the meeting ID and passcode when prompted.

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDIES

Wednesdays at 9:00–10:00 a.m.
- Study: New Study on Acts of the Apostles
- Contact: Louise Richman
- Zoom Meeting Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/651248716
- To participate, email Louise Richman.

MEN'S BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesdays at 7:00–8:00 a.m.
- Study: Hebrews and St. Augustine’s Enchiridion
- Contact: Martin O'Malley
- Location: La Madeleine (Exception: On the second Tuesday of each month, the group meets in the Wheatcroft Parish Hall.)
Second Tuesday of each month at 8:00–9:30 a.m. (Next meeting is February 8)
- Meeting: The Men of St. Francis Breakfast and Bible Study
- Study: Simply Good News
- Location: Wheatcroft Parish Hall
- Contact: The Rev. Stuart Bates
Thursdays at 6:30–8:00 a.m.
- Study: Acts of the Apostles
- Contact: The Rev. Stuart Bates
- Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84213782442
  - Meeting ID: 842 1378 2442
  - Passcode: 1c6HEL

ADULT BIBLE STUDY

Sundays at 10:00–11:00 a.m.
- Study: The Book of Revelations
- Location: Hogan Board Room (St. Francis Episcopal School)
- Contact: George Hippard
- Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81068388948
  - Meeting ID: 810 6838 8948
  - Passcode: 767200

CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS—BIBLE STUDIES AND MEETINGS

Wednesdays at 6:30–8:00 p.m. (Monthly; resumes January 26)
- Meeting: High School Dinner and Bible Study
- Study: New Study on the Parables of Jesus
- Location: Houston Racquet Club
- Contact: Allison Devlin

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION AND PRAYER

Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m.
- Meeting: Christian Meditation
- Contact: Fr. David Price
- In-Person Meeting Place: The Bride's Room
- Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/203726298
  - Meeting ID: 203 726 298
  - Passcode: 05741
Wednesday Night Eucharist, Program, and Dinner ($10 per person)
- Contact: Fr. David Price
- Location: Church and Wheatcroft Parish Hall
Thursdays at 7:00 a.m.
- Meeting: Christian Meditation
- Contact: Fr. David Price
- In-Person Meeting Place: The Bride's Room
- Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/203726298
  - Meeting ID: 203 726 298
  - Passcode: 057417
Thursdays at 6:15–6:45 a.m.
- Meeting: Prayer Session (We read Scripture and go through a prayer cycle of praise, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession.)
- Contact: Heather Burkhart
- Zoom Meeting Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79725936159
  - Meeting ID: 797 2593 6159
  - Passcode: 678123
Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.
- Meeting: Spiritual Enrichment
- Contact: Fr. David Price
- Location: The Bride's Room

How to Watch Sunday Service Via Livestream
If you would like to join St. Francis Episcopal Church’s 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. Sunday service via livestream, here’s how to watch:

Open an Internet browser on your computer, laptop, or phone. Type in the St. Francis website—sfch.org.
Click on the “Watch Live Stream Worship Services” button. Either the 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. service will be available. If you prefer to watch from Facebook or YouTube, click on the links to go to those streaming servers.

Prelude music will begin on the livestream 10 minutes before the service to allow time for your connection and your inspiration. If you miss the live video, a recording of the service will also be available on St. Francis's YouTube channel.